As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve at lightning speed, the robotics industry has become a hotbed for future investments. Billionaires across the globe are diving headfirst into this tech, betting on the potential for advanced robots to reshape the world in ways we can only begin to imagine.
Take Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder, for example. He recently made a move into the robotics world by investing in Physical Intelligence, a startup creating robots designed to take on everyday chores—think folding laundry and packing groceries. But Bezos is far from the only tech mogul eyeing this space. Here’s a rundown of seven of the world’s wealthiest entrepreneurs who are all-in on robotics:
1. Jeff Bezos – Amazon Founder
Bezos, the man behind Amazon, is now backing Physical Intelligence, a company specializing in robotic software that helps machines tackle simple household tasks. Whether it’s folding clothes or clearing off tables, these robots are designed to make daily life easier. The startup raised $400 million in a recent funding round, with Bezos, OpenAI, Thrive Capital, and Lux Capital all chipping in. Physical Intelligence is already valued at over $2 billion, marking it as a serious player in the robotics game.
2. Elon Musk – CEO of Tesla and SpaceX
Elon Musk, the genius behind Tesla and SpaceX, has been working on the Optimus humanoid robot for quite some time now. Recently, at the Tesla Robotaxi event, robots were seen performing simple tasks like serving drinks and playing rock-paper-scissors with guests (though controlled by humans from afar). Musk is aiming to incorporate Optimus into Tesla’s internal operations by 2025, with plans to mass-produce them by 2026 to sell to other companies. Musk has also invested in Vicarious, an AI startup focused on creating general intelligence for robots—later acquired by Intrinsic, a robotics company owned by Alphabet (Google’s parent company).
3. Bill Gates – Co-Founder of Microsoft
Bill Gates, known for his pioneering work with Microsoft, has turned his attention to healthcare robotics. He supports Opentrons, a company developing robots for laboratory and healthcare industries. Gates is vocal about his optimism regarding the potential of robotics to improve human life. Through his blog, he’s also highlighted other robotics startups that have caught his eye, underscoring his belief in tech’s transformative power.
4. Vinod Khosla – Founder of Khosla Ventures
Vinod Khosla, the entrepreneur and venture capitalist behind Khosla Ventures, led a $10 million investment round for Opentrons in 2018. His firm is known for its bold bets on emerging technologies, with a strong focus on robotics, particularly in automation and healthcare. Khosla has become a significant player in the drive to push robotics further into industries where it can have the most impact.
5. Mark Zuckerberg – CEO of Meta
Mark Zuckerberg, the mind behind Meta (formerly Facebook), is another tech mogul invested in robotics. He’s a major investor in Vicarious, a startup developing artificial intelligence for robots. In 2014, Zuckerberg joined forces with Elon Musk to invest $40 million into the company, which aims to build AI capable of general intelligence that can be applied across various robotic platforms.
6. Dustin Moskovitz – Asana CEO
Dustin Moskovitz, another Facebook co-founder and CEO of Asana, has also backed Vicarious. In 2012, he and his wife, Cari Tuna, invested $15 million in the startup via their venture fund Good Ventures. Moskovitz’s support helps Vicarious advance its mission to build AI that enables robots to learn and adapt to more complex tasks—moving them closer to human-like problem-solving abilities.
7. Peter Thiel – Co-Founder of PayPal and Founders Fund
Peter Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal and a key investor through his firm Founders Fund, has also thrown his weight behind robotics. Thiel’s investments include Vicarious, which focuses on AI for robots, and Quantum Systems, a German robotics startup that develops cutting-edge drones. Thiel’s moves highlight his belief in the potential of robotics to revolutionize industries ranging from logistics to surveillance.
The Takeaway
The massive investments from these billionaires show that the robotics sector is not just a futuristic dream—it’s becoming a key part of the tech revolution. With financial backing from some of the wealthiest people in the world, the robotics industry is primed for explosive growth. From healthcare to industrial automation, robots are poised to become an integral part of daily life, transforming the way we work, live, and interact with the world around us. As AI and robotics continue to evolve, the impact will likely be profound, reshaping industries and everyday experiences alike.
Source: DVBC Indonesia